Archive for Parker Millsap

The Huffington Post featured Parker Millsap this week. The 21-year old Purcell, OK native released his debut self-titled album in January of this year via Okrahoma Records and has received much praise for his freshman efforts.

Huffington Post entertainment writer, Michael Bialas, wrote the following about Millsap:

With an embraceable self-titled debut album that’s been out only eight months, Millsap displays unbridled enthusiasm while discussing his future and just about anything else. Yet his small-town, old-time religion upbringing (born and raised in Purcell, pop. approximately 6,000) keeps his head out of the clouds and feet firmly planted on the ground.

Millsap sounds as excited as he appears onstage, an outgoing lad blessed with boyish good looks that start with an Elvis upsweep. There’s also bountiful energy, a vivid imagination, real sex appeal and two-thirds of a name left of one that read Jonathan Parker Millsap on his birth certificate.

Read more of the longform article and interview by clicking the link in the first paragraph.

So, I’ve been trying to play catch-up with life ever since SXSW-ing it for a week. And just now, I get a chance to post a new story…which will be a catch-up of (most) of what I missed while I was being silent.

This decision was wholly my own. I was not influenced by family or friends. I was not humbled by the road. And most importantly I was neither dismissed by my band mates nor sick of being their band mate and friend. The truth is I was and am ready for something different.

Pendley will be replaced by Ryan Donovan of Nothington and Garrett Dale will take over full time vocal duties. Pendley’s final show with the band will be on April 12 at The Conservatory in Oklahoma City.

John Fullbright‘s new album, Songs, is due May 27. Wall Street Journalcalls the album “a warm, winning and plainspoken Americana album that builds on the authority and charm of From the Ground Up not by musical-muscle flexing, but by its clarity and simmering intensity.” WSJ premiered the track “Happy” recently – hear it below.

Leon Russell‘s new album, Life Journey, was released on April 1. Be sure to read this awesome Q&A by Mike Rogogna here. Hear Leon’s new song, “Big Lips”, from Esquire, below.

“Surrounded by epic-sounding, space-age production crossed with tribal chants and exotic drums, the duo nostalgically make their case for the courtship rituals of yesteryear: “It’ll be like in the movies with your bass pumpin’ in the night,” they earnestly coo in unison on the earworm of a chorus. It’s a powerful debut — and possibly the missing theme song from a John Hughes classic.” - MTV Buzzworthy

“The first product of two years’ worth of sessions with producer Ray Reich, “Fall Into Love” shines on the strength of its vocal performances, with Curtis’ agile, powerful tenor darting around Danishei’s sneering take. Their investment in the material, and the gravity of the song’s sound, makes uncovering the wink at its heart that much funnier: once you hear them belting, “I want the real thing / Just like an ‘80s movie,” there’s no going back.” - TIME

Oklahoma City rapper Jabee released a new track featuring Mr MFN Exquire and Murs360 label mate Kosha Dillz titled “Out Of Time”. The track explores the mental reality of pursuing rap as career.

Tulsa punk band Lizard Police have released their new Couch Mountain E​P, via Horton Records and Soundpony Records. A 7″ is expected soon, but until then, enjoy the stream below.

The Oklahoman has a good Q&A with the band about being from small towns (band members are from Coweta & Bixby) and working with various small labels.

Speaking of The Oklahoman Q&As, Becky Carman has been doing an incredible job with them. More often than not, Q&As are awful wastes of time filled with horrible, mind-numbing questions – “How did you get your name?” “What are your influences?”. But, Becky actually does her research and asks solid questions and I appreciate her work greatly.

Oklahoma City electro-house duo Crystal Vision released a new song with Steven Battles late last week, just days after Katie Wicks gave birth to a baby girl. Congratulations Katie!

Stereogum revealed another new Horse Thief last week. The site says the song ” resembles “Like A Rolling Stone” as performed by Spencer Krug in all his theatrical fervor, but far smoother. It’s expansive and pretty”.

Horse Thief’s album Fear in Bliss is out next Tuesday (4/15) on Bella Union Records.

Oklahomans on ‘The Voice’

Parker Millsap has been touring all over the place and even has a string of dates with Patty Griffin beginning in June. Along the way, he’s gotten significant love from NPR member stations, including Oklahoma City station KOSU. Below, watch the Parker Millsap Trio perform “Truck Stop Gospel” in the Washington, DC studios of WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.

The Woody Guthrie Center will host a music panel on Oklahoma music festivals with panelists Scott Booker of ACM@UCO, Quentin Bomgardner of Norman Music Festival, Deana McCloud of Woody Guthrie Folk Festival & Philip Kaiser of Center of the Universe Festival. The panel will be moderated by Ryan LaCroix of KOSU & OklahomaRock.com.

After the jump, check out schedule listings for all bands listed above.

The Buffalo Lounge will move to a new venue this year at 408 Congress Avenue (4th & Congress). Hosting three days of film, interactive, and music events, the goal of the Buffalo Lounge is to provide exposure for participating Oklahoma companies and talent to a global audience.

OklahomaRock.com will publish a running list of ALL Oklahoma artists playing SXSW in a couple of weeks!

“…the 20 year old’s weathered vocals and knack for combining folk, blues and country into melodies that feel lived in yet not familiar, makes this an early contender for one of the most notable debuts from a new artist this year.” - Hal Horowitz (American Songwriter)

“With Millsap, what hits you first is the voice: soulful, gravelly, whiskey-laced, and wielded like a world-weary prophet. But it’s not just raw talent. He also demonstrates a deep affinity for the Texan school of singer-songwriters like Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, meaning that the songs are just as impressive as the performances.” - Taylor Coe (PopMatters)